The anti-fatigue mat was designed effective and affordable solution to work-related fatigue caused by standing on cold or hard surfaces for extended periods, as well as its effects on workforce morale and productivity. By investing in anti-fatigue mats for your business, you could not only make the workplace a more comfortable environment but directly impact your employee’s motivation and performance.

Anti-Fatigue Mats – What Are They?

Anti-fatigue mats are specialized floor coverings designed to reduce the physical stress and fatigue that workers experience when standing for long periods of time on hard surfaces such as concrete or tile floors. These mats are typically made from materials such as rubber, foam, or gel, and are designed to provide cushioning and support for workers' feet and legs.

Anti-fatigue mats come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials to meet the needs of different work environments. They can be used in factories, warehouses, kitchens, and other settings where workers spend extended periods of time standing in one place.

The benefits of anti-fatigue mats include reduced discomfort and fatigue, improved circulation, and reduced risk of injury. By providing a cushioned surface for workers to stand on, anti-fatigue mats help reduce physical stress on the body, which can lead to improved productivity and a safer work environment.

In addition to providing cushioning and support, many anti-fatigue mats also have features such as beveled edges to reduce tripping hazards, slip-resistant surfaces to improve traction, and antimicrobial treatments to reduce the growth of bacteria and odors. Some mats can also be customized with logos or messages to promote branding or safety awareness.

Overall, anti-fatigue mats are an important tool for promoting worker health and safety in a variety of industries and work settings.

Anti-Fatigue Mats – How Do They Actually Work and What Are the Principles Behind Them?

Anti-fatigue mats work by providing a cushioned surface that reduces the physical stress and fatigue that workers experience when standing for long periods of time on hard surfaces. The principles behind their design include ergonomics, biomechanics, and material science.

Ergonomics: Anti-fatigue mats are designed with ergonomics in mind, meaning they are designed to reduce physical stress on the body and promote a more natural posture. This is achieved by providing cushioning and support for the feet and legs, which can help reduce discomfort and fatigue.

Biomechanics: Anti-fatigue mats are also designed with biomechanics in mind, meaning they are designed to support the natural movement and alignment of the body. This is achieved by providing a surface that is flexible and supportive, and that encourages the muscles in the feet and legs to engage in small movements that improve circulation and reduce fatigue.

Material Science: The materials used in anti-fatigue mats are also carefully selected to provide the right combination of cushioning, support, and durability. Materials such as rubber, foam, and gel are commonly used because they offer a balance of comfort and resilience, and are able to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.

Overall, the principles behind anti-fatigue mat design are focused on reducing physical stress on the body, promoting natural movement and alignment, and providing a surface that is both comfortable and durable. By doing so, these mats can help improve worker health and productivity, while also promoting a safer and more comfortable work environment.

Health Conditions Thought to be Linked to Working in a Standing Position

• Working in a standing position for long periods of time can lead to various health conditions and discomforts. Some of the most commonly reported health conditions thought to be linked to standing work include:
  1. Foot pain: Standing for long periods of time can put pressure on the feet, leading to discomfort and pain in the arches, heels, and balls of the feet.
  2. Leg pain: Standing for extended periods can also cause pain and fatigue in the legs, particularly in the calves and thighs.
  3. Lower back pain: Prolonged standing can lead to lower back pain, as the muscles in the back may become fatigued and strained from maintaining an upright posture.
  4. Poor circulation: Standing for long periods can also cause poor circulation, as blood can pool in the legs and feet, leading to swelling and discomfort.
  5. Varicose veins: Standing for long periods can also increase the risk of developing varicose veins, which are enlarged and twisted veins that can be painful and unsightly.
  6. Joint problems: Standing for extended periods can put stress on the joints in the knees, hips, and ankles, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and even joint damage over time.
  To minimize the risk of these health conditions, it's important for workers who spend extended periods of time standing to take regular breaks, wear supportive footwear, and use ergonomic workstations or anti-fatigue mats to reduce physical stress and promote a more natural posture.

Advantages of Anti-Fatigue Mats We cannot overstate the clear advantages of using anti-fatigue mats. As well as helping to create a more comfortable working environment and reduce work-related injuries, they also can increase the overall performance and productivity of employees. Some of the most important benefits that come from using anti-fatigue mats are outlined below:

• Increased comfort and safety for employees
• Promote better body dynamics and positive mental strength
• Decreased accidents and medical issues which in turn means decreased absenteeism
• 50% decrease in fatigue among workers which means their performance and productivity is increased significantly
• WRMSDs decreased
• Better circulation
• As anti-fatigue mats are also designed to provide a soft, but safe, non-slip surface to work on, they reduce the chances of slips and trips occurring.

Anti-fatigue mats can be of benefit to any employees who stand for extended periods of the working day. This was shown in evidence collected by scientific research that Loughborough University conducted. The tests were conducted under strict laboratory conditions using subjective and objective measures. The study involved 14 participants and compared the effects of standing on concrete, with the effects of standing on anti-fatigue mats. The results of the subjective testing proved that there were significant advantages to using anti-fatigue mats. In addition to lowered fatigue, there were also postural and thermal benefits.

Although anti-fatigue mats are most used in workplaces like factories, it has been established that they can be of benefit to workers in other sectors and industries too. This includes warehouses, hotel receptions, chemists, pharmacies, hotels, banks, restaurants, shops, and commercial kitchens.

With improvements made to their design and aesthetics, modern anti-fatigue mats do not have that cold and unappealing industrial look that they once had in the past and at Specialist Mats, we have a wide range of assorted colours and styles of anti-fatigue mats to choose from.

These can be supplied as individual mats, cut to specific custom lengths or full rolls and are suitable for use in the workplace and at home. If you have any questions or need advice about anti-fatigue mats before investing in them, please contact our customer service team today.

What Exactly Are Anti-Fatigue Mats?

Anti-fatigue floor mats often referred to simply as anti-fatigue mats are floor coverings used to reduce stress on the musculoskeletal system and reduce fatigue while increasing comfort for anyone working in a standing position for extended periods.

How Do They Work?

Anti-fatigue matting has been specially designed to provide a soft and insulated floor surface that is more comfortable to stand on for extended periods. Thanks to their softer surface, the feet of those using them are encouraged to make important micro-movements that help to ensure blood circulates around the body. This means the heart does not need to work quite as hard and improves the volume of oxygen being passed through there which means reduced fatigue.

In normal circumstances, when people are standing on hard and cold surfaces for lengthy periods, their legs seize up and become very static. This slows the flow of blood around the body significantly, which can lead to discomfort and pain.

Do They Really Help?

There have been many studies conducted by highly respected and acclaimed academic institutions and bodies that offer convincing evidence to show anti-fatigue mats do really help combatting fatigue and other effects caused by standing on hard surfaces while working.

How Do They Help?

As previously noted, anti-fatigue mats are made from soft material that provides a cushioned layer to any solid surface that employees need to stand on while working. The softer surface encourages the feet to make micro-movements that encourage blood flow. In addition to the reduced stress and fatigue, anti-fatigue mats also offer a warmer surface to stand and work on than cold and hard floors.

What Anti-Fatigue Mat Is Best for Me?

The best anti-fatigue mat for you will depend on the kind of environment you work in. If you need any assistance choosing the best anti-fatigue mats, please do not hesitate to contact us.

I work in a standing position all day, will investing in an anti-fatigue mat help me?

Yes, we believe it will help reduce stress and fatigue and improve your circulation and overall comfort.